Manics couldn't repeat Bible

Welsh band reflect on classic record ahead of anniversary shows

Manic Street Preachers bassist Nicky Wire doesn't think the band will ever match the energy of their classic 1994 album The Holy Bible.

The Welsh rockers are set for a run of shows in which they will play the entire album back-to-back.

Wire tells the NME: “I
haven't played The Holy
Bible through for a long
time. And then sitting down... I guess the power of it did actually
really resonate with me and actually did make me think, with a slight
tinge of sadness, just as a band, it'd be impossible to really be
that brave with that much conviction ever again.”

The Manics
had previously been hesitant in performing the album, as it was their last work before the disappearance of guitarist Richey Edwards the
following year.

Wire adds: “That album was always about something
more, so we've got to get that in our psyche. This is the first year
that we've played those songs and felt comfortable. If there's ever a
time to do it, then it's now.”

The Welsh rockers –
some of whom will go on a South American hike for charity next year –
will celebrate the album's 20th
anniversary at shows in the Glasgow, Manchester, Dublin and London.